Themes

A theme makes every MUNISH special and unique to keep ideas fresh and topics current. Every MUNISH adopts a theme that forms the centre for all discussions and issues on the agenda.

Theme

Description

Year

Growth and Accountability

The theme for the XXVI annual MUNISH conference is ‘Growth and Accountability’. This theme allows every participant at the conference to discuss important issues confronting humanity in the 21st century such as; peace and security, sustainable development, human rights and more. The theme of Growth allows delegates to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with it. For example, many nations are facing the challenge of managing population growth and sustaining economic growth. In contrast, we are also witnessing opportunities that arise from the growth of technologies that enable sustainable energy sources and that improve the quality of life for global citizens. Due to the nature of the complexity of Growth, Accountability is a vital accompaniment: it ensures that the international community manages growth in a way that is sustainable and that takes responsibility for the far-reaching consequences of it within nations and across international borders. It is today's reality that we are increasingly failing to reach a common goal of sustainable global growth objectives that take into account the impact of national decisions on the international community, particularly in regards to economic, social and environmental protectionism. It is through Growth and Accountability that we can successfully tackle many of the issues confronting humanity: the overriding mission of the United Nations. Growth must be coupled with Accountability to ensure that we continue taking steps towards greater stability, prosperity and peace. As Ban Ki-Moon said “Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth - these are one and the same fight. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all.” In harmony with the theme, lets make these solutions - reality.

2016

Good Governance and Cooperation

This theme allows every participant at the conference to discuss important issues that are essential to maintaining political, economic and social stability. 'Good Governance' and 'Cooperation' are two of the United Nation’s main goals. Cooperation involves nations working together across and between nations while good governance involves what is happening within nations with governments working effectively and efficiently for the good of their citizens. However, today’s reality is that there is significant inequality throughout the world. It is through cooperation and good governance that these challenges might be addressed. Therefore, if governments can achieve these fundamental objectives, they can consequently achieve, transparency, accountability, equality, and unity. Vint Cerf once said, “Remember, 'governance' is a big word that includes human rights, freedom of speech, economic transactions on a worldwide basis -­‐ it touches everything. It's everywhere...". Therefore, in accordance with the theme, we will seek to tackle these topics and many more.

2015

Security and Development

The theme for MUNISH 2014 is ‘Security and Development’. This theme invites the conference’s diverse range of participants to join and discuss questions that are crucial to the future. Is development always beneficial? To what extent does development contribute to various forms of security, such as food security? In what ways do new developments, such as technological advances, threaten security? Albert Einstein once said, “All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual”. Yet despite the importance of ‘Development’ in the context of ‘Security’ and despite modern development, millions still lack access to their basic human rights. If so many cannot access security in the way of food, water or education, how can we as a society expect to develop? In accordance with the theme, our issues will seek to tackle these, and other questions.